Conversion therapy is #stillhappening

Though called by different names, the practice of attempting to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity is still happening, and its effects have been catastrophic. That’s why Equality Utah is working with the Utah Legislature, mental health organizations, and parents to end the practice of conversion therapy on minors in Utah.

Survivors Stories

The cost of conversion therapy is real. Utah minors are at risk. Caring parents and advocates are coming together to stop this harmful practice in our state. The following are stories of real survivors.

The Facts

A 2018 study from Dr. Caitlin Ryan at the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University found that among LGBTQ youth, “attempts to change sexual orientation during adolescence were associated with elevated young adult depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior, and with lower levels of young adult life satisfaction, social support, and socioeconomic status.”

In particular, the study found that LGBTQ youth who reported that parents and therapists had subjected them to conversion therapy experienced:

2X

more than double the rate of depression (52%)

3X

nearly triple the rate of suicide attempts (63%).

A 2009 report from the American Psychological Association Task Force on conversion therapy found that survivors of this practice reported:

“An enduring change to a person’s sexual orientation is unlikely, and potentially harmful.”

“We found no empirical evidence that providing any type of therapy in childhood can alter adult same-sex sexual orientation.”

“No empirical studies or peer-reviewed research support theories attributing same-sex sexual orientation to family dysfunction or trauma.”

The Williams Institute at UCLA estimates

698,000

LGBTQ adults (ages 18-59) in U.S. have received Conversion Therapy,

of which

350,000

received it as adolescents.

Conversion Therapy continues to be condemned by every medical and mental health organization in the United States and abroad, including:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology American Academy of Pediatrics American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy American College of Physicians American Counseling Association American Group Psychotherapy Association American Medical Association American Mental Health Counselors Organization American Psychiatric Association American Psychological Association American School Counselor Association American School Health Association National Association of School Psychologists National Association of Social Workers School Social Work Association of America